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The Nittany Lion Inn, a historic property located on Penn State’s campus, announces the appointment of Kurt Wiksten as general manager of the hotel.

Since 1931, The Nittany Lion Inn has stood as a beacon of first-class hospitality within the State College community and officially reopened its doors on Sept. 3 following an extensive renovation. The Georgian colonial-style inn unveils a refreshed lobby, renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces, along with the debut of several new eateries. The redesigned interior features dark wood and accents of blue and white, embracing the classic Penn State aesthetic.

“We’re delighted to welcome Kurt Wiksten to the Nittany Lion Inn team,” said Gary Brandeis, CEO of Scholar Hotels. “With his extensive knowledge and proven leadership in the hospitality industry, Kurt is poised to drive our organization’s success to new heights. His expertise will be invaluable as we begin this new chapter, continuing to enhance our operational excellence and deliver outstanding experiences for our guests, team members and Penn State community.”

Wiksten joins the Nittany Lion Inn with over 35 years of hospitality management experience, bringing in a wealth of expertise in hotel management and business development. As general manager, Wiksten will oversee all aspects of service at the hotel, including daily operations, event sales and coordination, revenue management and growth strategies. His leadership will be instrumental in driving the hotel’s continued success and elevating the guest experience.

“I am looking forward to working with the rest of the team to build on the success and achievements of the Nittany Lion Inn,” said Wiksten. “I feel honored to lead a property that harbors an excellent reputation for its community-focused initiatives and truly immerse myself with the Penn State spirit the property embodies.”

Kurt spent the past five years as the Managing Director of Frenchman’s Reef Resort and Spa in St. Thomas, where he successfully led the transformation of the most iconic hotel in the US Virgin Islands through a $440 million renovation. Kurt has held several high-level management roles in the luxury market including Four Seasons, St. Regis and Viceroy. He was the Vice President Hotel Operations and Transitions at AJ Capital Partners – Graduate Hotels, Director of Resort Operations at Sheraton Bay Point Resort, to name a few of his high-level roles.

The Nittany Lion Inn has been a cherished venue for some of the most memorable Penn State moments, hosting everything from pre-game meetups and post-victory celebrations to weddings and reunions.